Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.RTF
File Type
Rich Text Format
Category
Document
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .rtf file format
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a proprietary document file format developed by Microsoft in 1987 for cross-platform document interchange. It\'s designed to be a relatively simple and universal format that can be opened and edited by a wide range of word processors and text editors, regardless of the ope…
File extension
.RTF
File type
Rich Text Format
Category
Document
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .rtf file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .rtf.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .rtf file?
File extension details and usage information
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a proprietary document file format developed by Microsoft in 1987 for cross-platform document interchange. It\'s designed to be a relatively simple and universal format that can be opened and edited by a wide range of word processors and text editors, regardless of the operating system. RTF files contain formatted text, including information about fonts, styles, colors, and images. The format uses ASCII characters for text and special control words (prefixed with a backslash) to represent formatting instructions. This makes it more readable than binary document formats, although it\'s less efficient in terms of file size. RTF is often used for exchanging documents between different word processing programs, creating help files, and storing formatted text in databases. While it supports basic formatting, it lacks the advanced features of more modern document formats like DOCX, such as complex layouts, embedded objects, and advanced scripting capabilities. RTF\'s primary advantage lies in its widespread compatibility and relative simplicity, making it a reliable choice for basic document sharing.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .rtf files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .rtf files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .rtf file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .rtf file.
Why can't I open a .rtf file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .rtf format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .rtf files
To open a .rtf file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Word
- WordPad
- LibreOffice Writer
- OpenOffice Writer
- AbiWord
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .rtf file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.